Greater species diversity is associated with which of the following?

Greater species diversity is closely associated with increased nutrient availability for several reasons. When nutrients are abundant in an ecosystem, they support the growth and health of a wide variety of organisms, including plants, decomposers, and herbivores. This richness in primary productivity creates more resources for higher trophic levels, promoting more complex food webs and ecological interactions.

Moreover, ecosystems with ample nutrient availability tend to be more resilient, allowing them to sustain a higher number of species over time. The presence of diverse plant species can enhance nutrient cycling and overall ecosystem productivity, contributing further to the maintenance of diverse populations.

In contrast, simple environmental conditions, high levels of pollution, and low habitat variety often lead to reduced species diversity. Environments that are overly simplistic or stressed by pollution limit the niches available for different species, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Therefore, increased nutrient availability stands out as a key factor that fosters greater species diversity within ecosystems.